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Brits urged to stay home this Easter despite heatwave in bid to stop spread of coronavirus
BRITS have been ordered to respect the lockdown and stay home at Easter despite the predicted heatwave.
The bank holiday weekend — with temperatures expected to soar to 24C (75F) — would usually see the nation flocking to holiday homes, caravan sites and beauty spots across the country.
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But the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed all that.
Barbecues and sunbathing in parks and open spaces plus visits to the beach or sight-seeing are prohibited — as is having friends round.
Motorways will be at their quietest for decades — and authorities are determined they must stay that way.
More than 20million Easter getaway journeys by road have been cancelled, according to an AA poll.
Its president Edmund King said: “Transport ministers have made it very clear cars should only be used for essential journeys and this applies as much to Easter as it has in the last couple of weeks.”
Department for Transport figures show that road traffic has fallen by around two-thirds since mid-March.
Before Easter 2019, VisitEngland estimated 7.4million Britons would take an overnight holiday in the UK during the weekend, bringing a £1.8billion boost to the economy.
The National Trust has closed all its 500 heritage properties and owners of Airbnb holiday rentals are being asked to reject bookings.
Second-home owners and holidaymakers have been warned by police they will be turned back if they are caught travelling during the break.
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Officers will patrol roads in the South West to ensure the lockdown measures are followed and they have powers to issue £60 fines.
North Devon MP Selaine Saxby revealed she had heard that some second-home owners had travelled under the cover of darkness.
She said: “I’m deeply disappointed at the reports and have raised this matter directly with the police.”
Tourism chiefs in the Lake District urged visitors to stay away with Cumbria MP Tim Farron asking holiday-let owners to reject requests.
The Lib Dem said: “It beggars belief that such a high number of holiday lets are still taking bookings.
‘OUTRAGEOUS’
“We’ve also seen outrageous examples of holiday-let owners actively encouraging people to travel.”
Experts forecast temperatures of 24C on Saturday but on Sunday scattered showers are likely.
A Met Office spokesman said: “We have got warmer air moving in from the south and it is building in Britain for the next couple of days.
“Temperatures in some areas will rise by 10C above average for this time of year.”
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Police forces have revealed the ridiculous excuses being given by drivers for “essential” journeys.
Gwent officers said one motorist told them: “I’m going to buy some gravy granules for Sunday dinner.”
Other reasons include “I’m off to buy a trampoline”, “I’m giving my son a driving lesson” or “I’m a window cleaner, so I’m a key worker”.
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